THE PHOENIX PENCIL COMPANY

Four narrators tell this multigenerational story of a Shanghai family with a magical secret: The women can "reforge" pencils, re-creating the stories that were once written with them. Carolyn Kang voices devoted granddaughter Monica, who lives in contemporary times in Cambridge. As Monica researches her family's history, Kang captures her growth, taking her from self-doubting in work and love to self-assured. Jodi Long voices grandmother Yun, narrating her story of war in 1940s Shanghai and her separation from her beloved cousin, Meng. Her perfect delivery depicts an elderly woman who is reliving horrific events--listeners will be transported. Sura Siu narrates a chapter at the end as Louise, a new friend of Monica's who wants Yun's story, and Crystal Yu narrates a satisfying chapter as cousin Meng. L.M.G. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2025]